MMUST Signs a Memorandum of Agreement with National Biosafety Authority to Strengthen Biosafety and Biosecurity Training and Research
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in a bid to strengthen Biosafety and Biosecurity training as well as research. The Agreement was signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and the Acting Chief Executive Officer-National Biosafety Authority, Dr. Ann Karimi, on Thursday, 30th April, 2026. It is set to synergize efforts of the two (2) institutions to stimulate scientific co-operation, strengthen teaching, research and production, and provide high quality service to stakeholders.
Prof. Shibairo while addressing the media during the signing ceremony revealed that MMUST has been growing its expertise in the area of biosafety and biosecurity. “The University has been performing well and I am glad that we were able to attract donors from Canada to help us establish the Bachelor of Science in Biosafety and Biosecurity programme. With this collaboration, we get to train more professionals on biosafety and biosecurity, who will conduct research in this area and produce products that will enable this country to be biologically safe,” said the Vice Chancellor. Commenting on the Authority’s mandate, Prof. Shibairo noted that the National Biosafety Authority is the leading agency as far as regulating Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is concerned. He added that the University is ready to contribute towards this mandate through collaborative research, capacity building and providing the technical expertise necessary to ensure the safe and sustainable adoption of biotechnological innovations.
Prof. Solomon Shibairo and Dr. Ann Karimi showcase the signed MoA. With them is Prof. Christopher Ngacho (right) and Mr. Nehemiah Ng’etich.
“We are happy to sign this Agreement with MMUST and we hope to bring other institutions onboard to support us in fulfilling our mandate. MMUST has a huge concentration of experts in biosafety and biosecurity and we look forward to leveraging this expertise for the benefit of the country. As we transition towards the adoption of GMOs in the agricultural sector, there is a need for concerted efforts from all sectors to address issues of misinformation and disinformation. In doing this, we shall promote consumer choice and become a solution where food security is concerned,” stated Dr. Karimi.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, pledged his Division’s support towards the activities of the MoA to ensure that it is fully implemented and its objectives realized. “I am happy that MMUST was selected by the National Biosafety Authority as its leading partner in the Western region. The two institutions have been collaborating for a long time now and the formalization of the partnership could not have come at a better time,” noted Prof. Ngacho.
MMUST-NBA teams during the MoA signing ceremony at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Associate Dean-School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology (SPHBS&T), Dr. Mustafa Barasa, pointed out that the Bachelor of Science in Biosafety and Biosecurity programme is housed under his School. He reiterated that the University has had prior engagements with NBA especially in offering industrial attachment opportunities to students. “We have seen an increment in student numbers especially those pursuing biotechnological courses. As a School, we are cognizant of the fact that the biosafety and biosecurity framework is cross cutting, required by many experts,” remarked Dr. Barasa.
The Chairperson-Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dr. Christine Wanjala, noted that the University has been deliberate in building networks with professional bodies like NBA following the establishment of the biosafety and biosecurity programme. She added, “we have done this to strengthen our teaching and training as well as research. We are eager to implement this MoA so that we can take our courses in the School to the next level and produce the best biosafety and biosecurity professionals.”
Dr. Mustafa Barasa gives his remarks during the event. Beside him is Dr. Christine Wanjala (left) and Dr. Susan Tuvei.
Undoubtedly, the strategic partnership between MMUST and the National Biosafety Authority will strengthen training and research in biosafety and biosecurity. By collaborating with regulatory bodies such as NBA, the University aims to ensure that its programmes meet the standards of the industry. Simultaneously, NBA will leverage this collaboration to promote evidence-based knowledge, effectively neutralizing misinformation and public misconceptions regarding GMOs.
By Wangari Wambugu and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
